More room to grow at Vukani primary

Pupil Simakele Mphokela had the chance to open the new after-care classroom at Vukani Primary School in Lower Crossroads on Thursday August 23.

On a bright Thursday afternoon, the staff, children and community of Vukani Primary School in Lower Crossroads were excited to start using their new classroom.

The classroom was made possible thanks to the Christian organisation Beautiful Gate South Africa and its donors.

There was a huge amount of excitement and camaraderie as the classroom was handed over on Thursday August 23.

The community sang and danced to welcome the good news.

The classroom will be used for the afternoon classes at the school.

School governing body chairperson Nobuhle Fatyela said the day will never be forgotten in the community.

“It is days like this when I feel that Lower Crossroads is blessed. We might have crime and other ills but there is always good people on our side. I wish these children could grow up to be better citizens,” she said.

The grateful pupils were excited to start the afternoon in the new classroom. Teacher Solly Siletile said the classroom would help a lot.

“We are grateful to have a
partner like the Beautiful Gate. They never disappoint. When
we need some extra help we normally send our children to their tutors. And there is huge difference in our children now. We believe in them and they do the same for us. We are blessed to have them,” he said.

Executive director at Beautiful Gate, Vaughan Stannard, said he was happy to work for a Christian organisation that provided care, safety and help to children. He said the NGO’s emphasis is on children’s development to give them a good foundation.

“The school needed more space. We thought of investing in our children. As an organisation we believe a strong school can make a strong community. We are of the belief that intaka yakha ngoboya benye,” he said.

He called on the community to work together for the development of children.

“We love to be serving the community. We all need to know
that community development is about partnership. We need
each other. We want to strengthen children to make better and strong citizens,” Mr Stannard said.

He said his organisation would soon provide another classroom at Zanemfundo Primary School.
He said it was still in the building stage.

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Pupil Simakele Mphokela had the chance to open the new after-care classroom at Vukani Primary School in Lower Crossroads on Thursday August 23.

Beautiful Gate South Africa executive director Vaughan Stannard is adamant that his organisation will uplift young people.

Vukani Primary School pupils rendering a musical item during the opening of the new classroom.